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At its June 17 City Council Meeting the City of D’Iberville handed out several volunteer awards to citizens. Doctors Ed Cake and Irene McIntosh were issued proclamations of appreciation for their work over the past 3 years managing a massive volunteer effort and rebuilding almost 1,000 homes in D’Iberville. Sara Miller, a native of D’Iberville and active citizen was caught off guard as it was announced that she was this year’s recipient of the Bobby Eleuterius Meritorious Service and Special Recognition award. R. J. Deno, another active D’Iberville citizen was given the Mary Lou Buchanan Award by the Harrison County Triade Council. Each of these recipients has shown a lifelong dedication to their hometown and its residents. Ed Cake and Irene McIntosh were two of the first people on the ground the day Hurricane Katrina hit. They immediately began to coordinate, acquire and distribute food, clothing and medical supplies, often unloading trucks and helicopters themselves. Dr. McIntosh has spoken many times about meeting Mayor Quave in the street as they discussed what they can do to bring immediate help to the citizens of D’Iberville. As the months went on, Cake and McIntosh started housing, feeding and coordinating the efforts of the massive influx of volunteers that poured into D’Iberville. From those efforts, the D’Iberville Volunteer Foundation was born and the “tent city” at Rudy Moran Park became their headquarters. On June 21 and 22 the Foundation held a celebration and reunion as they prepare to bring their recovery efforts to a close. Dozens of volunteers returned to D’Iberville and McIntosh gave out several commemorative plagues to both volunteers and city officials in a sometimes tearful presentation. Mayor Rusty Quave, Parks and Recreation Manager, Mike Mullen, Code Enforcement Officer Wallace Freeman as well as former Harrison County superintendent, Bobby Eleuterius and current supervisor Windy Swetman were all singled out for their extraordinary efforts to help the citizens of D’Iberville in the wake of the storm. Sara Miller is a well known figure in both D’Iberville and Biloxi. She is heavily involved in community activities and organizations. As Director of Community Affairs for the Beau Ravage, Miller is in position to influence how her company participates and contributes to the community and she makes sure that no one is forgotten. She is often expressing her great love for both Biloxi and D’Iberville which she expresses in the giving of her time and talents to her community. Miller said she was honored to be given an award in Bobby Eleuterius’ name, saying that Mr. Eleuterius is a role model for active citizenship. R. J. Deno is also a common participant in D’Iberville activities. He too, upon acceptance of an award, expressed his great love for his home town of D’Iberville. Deno is a member of the Historical Society and can be counted on to participate in any community activity in his city. R. J. is also known as the son and co-owner of Doris’ Hot Tamale stand in D’Iberville and his family has long roots in the community. The Mary Lou Buchanan award is named for another active D’Iberville citizen. Buchanan was a retired school teacher who helped to found the Harrison County Triade Council, a collaboration of non-profit groups focused on health and safety issues for senior citizens and the disabled in Harrison County. Ms. Buchanan was so active in D’Iberville that she was known as “Miss D’Iberville.” Deno, upon acceptance of the award expressed his humility for being honored with an award in Ms. Buchanan’s name.
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